The Charlotte Hornets’ biggest trades this season came well before the deadline had passed. However, they executed a couple more moves that have given them more assets to work with for the remainder of the regular season and in the future.
Jeff Peterson making some more deals
Right before the trade-deadline buzzer sounded, the Hornets shipped Tyus Jones to the Dallas Mavericks for Malaki Branham.
At first glance, it didn’t seem too impactful for them. They flipped a veteran point guard who probably wouldn’t have gotten minutes when everyone else ahead of him on the depth chart was healthy for an intriguing swingman, who has yet to realize his potential. The value here for Charlotte, though, is that it generated a $7 million trade exception, which it could use down the line to bring in some key players without having to give up some assets.
Then, Shams Charania shocked the NBA world by announcing another Hornets trade even after the deadline had passed. Apparently, a deal between them and the Boston Celtics may have already been in the works and sent to the league office for approval sometime before 3 PM ET.
The move sees Xavier Tillman Sr., along with $3.5 million in cash, heading to Charlotte. For the Celtics, this was a pure financial decision, as it would allow them to avoid the luxury tax. If you ask their fans, though, they probably would have wanted the big man to stay, not because of his on-court production but due to his contributions to the franchise off it.
Tillman Sr. had been a beloved figure in the locker room in Boston, and that’s likely where his value would lie on the Hornets. Don’t get me wrong, though. He sometimes does play well in extended minutes, and he would provide them with a big man who can rebound and pass well, extend his range to beyond the arc, and isn’t afraid to get physical with opponents.
The 27-year-old should continue to be a positive presence or culture-setter in the locker room, especially since he won a championship together with coach Charles Lee in 2024.
How Hornets follow up on their latest trades remains to be seen
We can’t discount the possibility that neither Branham nor Tillman Sr. would be on the Hornets’ roster later in the regular season. Waiving any of them remains an option, although such a decision would only be made if they find better alternatives in free agency or the buyout market.
Retaining the players wouldn’t be the end of the world for Charlotte, though. They are certainly capable of being decent contributors as third-string players in their respective positions. The team also needs insurance in case the injury bug strikes again. They will be free agents in the summer anyway, so there's no long-term commitment with either.
Now that the trade season is over, the Hornets can resume their pursuit of a postseason berth. Their chances of meeting their goal have certainly increased after adding more weapons to their arsenal in the past few days.s